Jose Romero’s EVR Group seeks state government approval for revised Bellerine St plans

It is hoped that there will soon be action at a CBD site that has been boarded up for years, with documents revealing a lease agreement has already been struck.

Plans for 80 serviced apartments at 20-22 Bellerine St were abandoned earlier this year.

A former AFL player has revealed his new plans for a central Geelong site that has copped criticism for its unsightly nature.

The EVR Group, headed by former North Melbourne and Western Bulldogs footballer Jose Romero, has sought state government approval for a 12-storey, 34-apartment complex at 20-22 Bellerine St.

The company has already entered into a lease agree with a community care provider, according to documents submitted to the Department of Transport and Planning last week.

It is unclear who that provider is.

Plans for the site to become home to 80 serviced apartments that were to managed by the Veriu Group under its Punthill brand were abandoned earlier this year.

Property developer Jose Romero played 89 games for North Melbourne and 122 games for the Western Bulldogs.

Under the new plans, the ground floor would be home to retail outlets, while the first three levels would house commercial offices.

The remaining levels would comprise 34 apartments that would meet National Disability Insurance Scheme requirements.

The community care provider would co-ordinate the NDIS participants and manage the site.

Two apartments would be dedicated to onsite carers.

Other than for minor changes to the proposed balconies, the development footprint, overall height, facade detailing, materials and finishes remains as per the original March 2020 approval.

“It is submitted that the amended proposal represents an appropriate design response to the physical context and planning framework for the land and to be of a scale that can be justified given the location, design and net community benefit of the project,” the application states.

“The proposed built form will enhance the urban and city character of the immediate vicinity, will be contemporary in presentation and will support the emerging character that is evident in this area of Greater Geelong.”

Twenty-three car parks would be spread across two basement levels and the ground floor.

The parking would be accessed via the rear of the building on Kirk Place.

While the Bellerine St frontage has been boarded up for some time, the rear is clearly visible and, while it is not a heavily frequented area, it has attracted criticism over its unsightly appearance.

Wire fencing has recently been erected at the rear of 20-22 Bellerine St.

Opposite the EVR site, there are plans for a 12-storey, 85-apartment “vertical retirement village”.

Lineal Developments continues to work with the state government on getting that project approved after documents were lodged the Department of Transport and Planning late last year.

The 2355 sqm site, with 75m of frontage on Bellerine St and 30m on Little Malop St, comprises nine parcels of land that are mostly vacant buildings or unkempt land currently.

Originally published as Jose Romero’s EVR Group seeks state government approval for revised Bellerine St plans